Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the BGSU MPA program special?

Our students and faculty foremost! Additionally, we have great relationships with community partners in Northwest Ohio who regularly come to us with projects they want students to help with. This is a great way for students to gain professional development experience and give back to the community and for partners to get support with their needs. Past projects have included strategic planning, program evaluation, community surveys, and more. Past clients include the City of Bowling Green, the National Park Service, the Toledo Symphony, NASA, the Glass City Marathon, and the City of Toledo.

Where can I get more information about the program?

You can peruse the additional pages on our website or read our Program Guide.

Are you an accredited program?

Yes! We are NASPAA accredited and were re-accredited in 2022 for an additional seven years.

Do your students get jobs and if so, where do they work?

Yes! Students typically get jobs working in government or for nonprofits. For more information, read our alumni profiles or see our recent alumni job placement data.

How big is your program?

Typically around 30-40 students. Approximately 15-20 students typically enroll in a new cohort each fall

Do you offer funding?

Yes. Many of our students receive teaching assistant positions working under faculty in the political science department but many also work in other graduate assistant positions in offices and research centers across BGSU, such as the Center for Regional Development, Institutional Effectiveness, International Programs, or the Graduate College. You can peruse open positions which are regularly updated. These positions pay a $5,400-$10,800 academic year stipend depending on the number of hours worked (typically 10 or 20 hours per week). Additionally, for TAs and GAs, the department covers six of nine credit hours of instructional fees. 

What is the total cost of the program?

For details about tuition costs and non-Ohio resident fees, you can calculate the cost of your attendance here.

How long does it take to complete the program?

Typically two years/four semesters for full time students. That means 9 credit hours which is 3 classes per semester for a total of 36 hours/12 courses. 

What courses are offered?

You can read more about our course offerings and program requirements here.  

When are courses offered?

Required MPA classes are typically offered 6-9pm Monday-Thursday evenings. Some elective courses are offered during the day, but typically we try to cater to working professionals and students who want to work during the day. 

Are courses offered online or face-to-face?

Almost all classes are in-person, with a few exceptions. Our faculty and alumni agree that this helps build stronger relationships and helps us to use innovative and engaging pedagogy in the classroom.

Do I need to write a thesis?

No, but you can if you want to. Because the MPA is an applied professional degree, almost all our students choose to do an internship and take the capstone course to develop a professional portfolio rather than write a thesis. For those that would like to write one, you can take thesis credits in place of the capstone and internship.

How do I apply and what does the application require?

You can go through instructions on how to apply.

Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required for the BGSU MPA program?

The GRE is not required. 

Do I need to take an English language test?

Maybe. If English is the primary language in your country, you do not. You can read more about the language requirements and exemptions.

Do I need official transcripts?

See details about Graduate Admisions Instructions.

Can you waive the application fee?

No, due to the  high volume of applicants, we cannot waive this fee. 

When do you admit students and when should I apply?

We offer Spring and Fall admissions though international students are encouraged to apply for fall admissions to account for frequent delays many countries are experiencing with the Visa process. October 15 and March 1 are the priority deadlines to be considered for funding. 

Do I need to find a faculty member to work under as a graduate assistant?

No. We assign funded students to faculty each semester based on need and interests. Many of our funded students work under faculty as a teaching or research assistant, but the MPA is an applied professional degree, so the level of research mentorship is not the same as one would get in a PhD program. That said, our faculty are highly research productive and can mentor students who are interested in obtaining a PhD or developing research expertise in a certain area. See your faculty bio pages for their specializations and interests.

I’ve still got more questions, what do I do?

See additional general questions and international student questions or reach out to the MPA Program Coordinator, Dr. Justin Rex, jmrex@bgsu.edu.